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Ammon council weighs $15.5M–$33M pool options; delays putting a measure on May ballot
Summary
Parks officials presented three pool options with price tags from $15.5 million to $33 million and warned all would operate at an annual loss; the council agreed it did not have enough facts to place a ballot measure in May and requested further analysis.
Parks & Recreation Director Tyler Draney presented a pool feasibility study showing three design options and sharply different price points, and the Ammon City Council on March 5 agreed it was not ready to place a pool measure on the May ballot.
Draney told the council the study (completed a little over a year ago) identified: a fully outdoor seasonal pool with a lap and wading pool at about $15.5 million; an indoor/outdoor hybrid with a year‑round lap pool plus outdoor assembly at about $20 million; and a fully indoor, year‑round facility with a lap pool and a kids pool at about $33 million. He said all options would run at a net annual loss and that the current pool operates at an annual shortfall of roughly $75,000–$120,000. The study also noted a Boise project cost cited at about $9.5 million for comparison.
Why it matters: the price range would require sustained operating subsidies and could increase homeowner property tax bills. Council members estimated an additional tax burden in the range of $180–$220 per household annually if the city were to cover the capital and ongoing costs through property taxes.
Council discussion centered on funding options and timing. Mayor Brian Powell suggested seeking title sponsors to help offset costs. Council Member Heidi Boyle said the city needed more concrete facts before asking voters to approve spending; she asked staff to provide additional data to inform any ballot question. Resident Glenn Roth urged the council to consider recreation centers with “dry” amenities such as basketball, pickleball and gym space that may produce more revenue than a pool.
The council determined it would not place a pool question on the May ballot and asked staff to return with more detailed financial analysis, operating-cost projections and potential funding scenarios before deciding whether to pursue a future ballot measure.
